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Governor Martinez praises work of NM seniors

may is designated Older Americans Month

For the Headlight

Posted:
05/20/2014 12:09:17 PM MDT

Martinez

SANTA FE &GT;&GT; Governor Susana Martinez and the Aging and Long-Term Services Department are recognizing May as Older Americans Month. Governor Martinez says New Mexicans should support and recognize the contributions older adults have made and continue to make for our state.

"Many New Mexico seniors have made countless contributions and sacrifices to ensure a better life for future generations," Governor Martinez said. "This month, take some time to recognize the seniors in your life and thank them for all their work."

By 2030, New Mexico will have the fourth largest percentage of people 65 and older. New Mexico's Aging and Long-Term Services Department is committed to helping seniors live healthy, independent lives. One way the Department does that is through senior volunteer programs. More than 4,500 seniors volunteer through the Department's Retired Senior Volunteers, Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions programs.

"Providing opportunities for New Mexico's seniors to make contributions and remain active members of their communities is key to helping them live long, independent high-quality lives," said Cabinet Secretary Gino Rinaldi. "In 2013, senior volunteers contributed more than 1.6 million hours of service statewide. They did this by working in a wide range of community-building endeavors, from assisting students in the classroom, to providing companionship for frail elders, to serving meals at senior centers."

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Governor Martinez, who proclaimed May as Older Americans Month in New Mexico, is encouraging seniors who want to volunteer to call 1-866-451-2901.

Governor Martinez is also reminding seniors about two important deadlines for the Conference on Aging in August, which features workshops, interactive exhibits and a two-day Health & Enrichment Fair relevant to older adults, caregivers, and professionals who work with them. The deadline to submit applications for 10 full and 20 partial scholarships is May 19th. The scholarships will assist adults age 55 and older who would otherwise not able to attend the conference. May 19th is also the deadline to submit applications for four separate Conference on Aging awards.

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